Changes now give the town the ability to issue fines for those violating the rules.

A first-time offense would be punishable by a $50 fine and a second offense would land a $100 fine. Repeat offenders also may be charged with a criminal offense after the second violation.

Changes have been a point of discussion over the past several months because of concerns with safety to both visitors and sea turtles. The main concern was on canopy frames left overnight, but another concern included banning holes on the beach.

Council members backed off banning holes, however, because they were determined to be too hard to monitor.

The last time the town took a stance to limit beach hazards was in 2010.

In other business, the council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for The Preserve’s marina after more than an hourlong public hearing.

The permit is for an eight-slip dock with two piers and a gazebo on the Intracoastal Waterway. Last year, the hearing was put on hold because a neighboring trust has rights to part of the marshfront, but the developers, Bridget and Jim Chrico, were able to get that problem fixed.

The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources also will have to approve the plans before construction.

<p>The Oak Island Town Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved stricter rules for equipment on the beach.</p><p>The changes will allow the town to confiscate any beach equipment left unattended overnight. Nighttime hours will be from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.</p><p>The ordinance also prohibits beach equipment, personal property or obstructions within 15 feet of designated emergency beach access points.</p><p>Changes now give the town the ability to issue fines for those violating the rules.</p><p>A first-time offense would be punishable by a $50 fine and a second offense would land a $100 fine. Repeat offenders also may be charged with a criminal offense after the second violation.</p><p>Changes have been a point of discussion over the past several months because of concerns with safety to both visitors and sea turtles. The main concern was on canopy frames left overnight, but another concern included banning holes on the beach. </p><p>Council members backed off banning holes, however, because they were determined to be too hard to monitor. </p><p>The last time the town took a stance to limit beach hazards was in 2010.</p><p>In other business, the council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for The Preserve's marina after more than an hourlong public hearing.</p><p>The permit is for an eight-slip dock with two piers and a gazebo on the Intracoastal Waterway. Last year, the hearing was put on hold because a neighboring trust has rights to part of the marshfront, but the developers, Bridget and Jim Chrico, were able to get that problem fixed.</p><p>The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources also will have to approve the plans before construction.</p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9907"><b>Jason Gonzales</b></a>: 343-2075</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @StarNews_Jason</p>